Automatic card printing and vending machine



. Oct. 3, 1933. w. H. COMPTON 1,928,928

AUTOMATIC CARD PRINTING AND VENDING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet l W/fer/[azz a.

Oct 3, 933- w. H. COMPTON 1,928,928

AUTOMATIC CARD PRINTING AND VENDING MACHINE File d Nov. 12. 1930 s Sheets-Sheet 2 16 I 7? 75 2 17 [2 H 51 122 133 A? 121 Z 74 E 3 72 7 $2 l rLkz 1 O 1933. w. H. COMPTON 1,928,928

AUTOMATIC CARD PRINTING AND VENDING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Tag f A v 55 A? I 1 r? I! 1 76 70:- g

Oct. 3, 1933. w. H. COMPTON 1,928,928

AUTOMATIC CARD PRINTING AND VENDING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 I \/\A j 7 5 1 'IIIII fig! @177 6'01 1 all Oct. 3, 1933. w. H. COMPTON AUTOMATIC CARD PRINTING AND VENDING MACHINE Filed Nov. 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 V E Q /7/felff 00m 027.

Oct. 3, 1933. w. H. COMPTON 1,928,928

AUTOMATIC CARD PRINTING AND VENDING MACHINE Filed NOV; 12, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Z l g/i li- Il 101 10a 7 Patented Oct. 3, 1933 AUTOMATIC CARD PRINTING AND VENDING MACHINE 1 Walter Compton, Fort Madison, Iowa, as: signer of one-half to Samuel Darling, vFort Madison, Iowa, and one-half to Frank Grandinetti, Chicago, Ill. 2

Application November 12, 193i) 1 Serial No. 495,079

Claims,

This invention relates to a printing and vending machine to automatically print and deliver to the purchaser a plurality of cards, such as business, callingcards, labels and the like.

An object of the invention resides in the provision of card printing machine for automatically vending a plurality of cards therefrom in response to the insertion of a coin in the machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide a vending machine actuated by the aid of acoin for automatically printing and cutting from a roll of tape, and ejecting from the machine a plurality of cards, labels and similar articles having predetermined characters thereon. a

Another object of this invention is to provide a coin controlled vending machine for automatically printing inone or more colors a predetermined quantity of identification cards, labels, and

the like. a I V A further object of this invention is to provide a machine of the character described having coin controlled means for automatically printing and vending, from a continuous roll of tape in one setting of themachine, a designatednumber of business, calling cards, labels, and similar articles;-

A still further object of this invention is to provide a card printing and vending machinehav'ing' means forselectively arranging in desired forma tion a plurality of characters, and means operable by the aid of a coin for automatically printing the selected characters on a predetermined number of cards, labels and the like. i V

1 In accordance with the general features of this invention, there is provideda card printing and vending machine of the character described having manually operable mechanism for selectively setting and grouping different characters in de-' sired formation for observation, and other mechanism operable by the aid of a coin for reproducing the setting of the selected characters on a designated number of cards, labels, and the like. s Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of acoin controlled card printing and vending machine having a plurality of similar type carrying chains arranged in spaced rows, with a series of chains in each row, andmechanism for actuating the chains for selectively grouping certain characters thereon in a desirableand predetermined arrangement to be printed; Still another feature of this invention relates to the provision of a card printing and vending machine having a plurality of similarfchains, each chain carrying a set of indicating and'a set -of type or printing characters, the indicating set of characters being selectively movable into a visibleposition during the making of the desired set-up and the corresponding printing characters being at the same time moved into a position for reproducing the set-up on a designated number of cards, labels, and other similar articles. The indicating characters serve to show to the operator of the machine the type set-up he is making or has made to be printed prior to the operation of the machine to print a pluralityof cards from the type or character he has set up and desired to be printed. 7

Other objects and advantages of this invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description taken in "connection with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate'a single embodiment thereof, and in which: .Figure 1 is a perspective view of the machine of this invention; a l a Figure 2 is an enlarged front elevation of the machine with the cabinet thereof removed;

Figure 3 is an enlarged side elevation of the machine illustrating the motor drive, inking, and automatic stopping mechanism;

Figure 4 is an opposite side view of the parts illustrated in FigureB; V

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentarysection taken on the line VV of Figure 2, showing'in general the feeding, inking, printing, and severing mechanism;

Figure dis a section taken on the line VIVI of Figure 5, lookingin the direction indicated by the arrows and showing the position of the ink ing pad during the printing operation; a

Figure '7 is an enlarged plan view showing a selected indicating character set-up. I Figure 8' is an enlarged partly sectional side elevation of the type chains, sprocket, and locking mechanism; l l

Figure 9 is a fragmentary partly sectional view illustrating'thetype chain setup mechanism and drawn to an enlarged 'scalejwith interme diate portions'between the top and bottom of the 'figurefand between the right and left sides of the figure broken away. I I

Figure 10 is a fragmentary section taken substantially on the lineX-X of Figure 9 illustrat- Figure 14 is an enlarged end view of the feed roller one-way gear clutch drive mechanism taken on the line XIV XIV of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is an enlarged section taken substantiallyon line XV-XV of Figure 6 illustrating the tape feed roller rack rotating mechanism; and

Figure 16 is the schematic-wiring diagram of the machine electric control circuit.

As shown on the drawings: 7

A suitable cabinet 10 having legs 11,'and a normally locked entrance door 12, is provided 8. The chain mechanism comprises a duplicity of similar parts, so it is thought that the description of one set of chain mechanism will sufllce forall the chain mechanisms.

Each chain has .two complete sets 18and 19 of aligned characters, such as alphabetical, numerical, punctuation marks, blank spaces, etc., on the interconnected links 17 thereof (Figures 8, 11, and 12). Each of the characters of one set 18 is depressed in the face of the link and filled withluminous material for indicating to the operator the typeset-up being made and which will be more fully described hereinafter. Each of the characters of the other setv 19 extends beyond the face of the link to function as printing type during the printing operation.

The chains are supported in rows inside the housing 14 by respective sprocket wheels 22 and 23,. which are freely mounted on respective shafts 24 and 25 suitably journalled in the housing. .The shaft 25 extends beyond the side of the housing and is provided with a finger gripe ping knob 26 at each ,end thereof for facilitating the longitudinal moving of theshaft. V

The chains 16 in each'row areselectively and independently actuated by the respective shafts 25 for making the desired character'set-up; for

example, if the left chain in row 1 (Figure '7) is selected for setting up the character W, the respective shaft 25 isslidably moved to the right until-itsattached pointer 2'7 indicatesthat a key 28 (Figure 9), secured on the shaft '25 is in engagement with one of the aligned keyways 29 in the left or first chain drive sprocket wheel23. A spring actuated detent 30 disposed in the nousing 14 (Figure 9) engages a corresponding aligned groove 31in the shaft .25 for maintaining the shaft in endwise position." A similar detent 32 also positioned in the housing 14 contacts with the'periphery of'the shaft 25 for upwardly'exerting pressure thereon V {The shaft 25 is then-rotated foractuating the left chain 16 in the first row to move the desired indicating character, in this instance, character W, to the observation position between thepcorresponding opening in a plate 34 mounted in the top portion of the housing 14. Positioned above the" plate 34 on the housing is a cover. 35 having a transparent plate 36 for permitting observation of the chain characters and for protecting the indicating characters. H

When the desired indicating'character W has been moved to the position where it can be seen by the operator, the corresponding printing type character W is in alignment therewith in the printing position projecting beyond the lower portion of the housing.

The printing type character links in each chain travel only about the respective sprocket 22 and are prevented from being moved to the observation set up position by a stop member 37 (Figure 8), which member projects inwardly from one of the blank links in each chain so as to engage either of the fixed pins 37, depending upon the direction the chain is traveling for preventing further movement of the chain in that direction.

After the first or any desired chain in the row has been actuated to set up the desired indicating character, any other chain in the row can be selectively actuated by simply moving its shaft moving the desired indicating character or blank 100 as the casemay be tothe observation or set-up position, and the corresponding type character is simultaneously moved to the. printing position. The other chains in the same row are prevented from moving by the friction of the chain sprocket hubs which frictionally engage the hub of the adjacent chainsprockets. In this manner the type carrying chains in any row can be selectively and independently actuatedby the proper manipulation' of the respective shafts 25 for enabling any desired character set-up to be made for'the reproduction thereof on any desired number of cards, labels, and the, like.

A locking plate 38 (Figures 8, 17, and 10) having outer spaced fingers 39 slidably disposed in guides 40 positioned in housing 14, is provided with inner spaced fingers 41 disposed above the sprockets 22 in each row of chains. The fingers 41 are eachprovided with a grooye in the under portion thereof so that when the locking plate isslidably moved to the right by a hand lever 43-pivotally connected thereto, the groove slidably engages one of the teeth in each sprocket 22 in the respective rows for aligning each row of type and for locking the sprocket to prevent movement of thetype carrying chain during the printing operation.

A pair of spaced bars 44 (Figure 17) positioned in respective grooves 45 in the housing 14 are vertically actuated by adjusting screws 46 associated therewith for adjusting the pressure on the locking plate 38 so as to enable the fingers of the plate to properly align the type character.

,A' slotted coin receiving plate 50 attached to the outer side of the housing 10 supports a coin receiving chute 51 vertically disposed in the interior of the cabinet. Threadedly secured to the lower portion of the coin receiving chute is a spring contact 52, which is formed to extend through theopening 53 into the interior of the chute 51 for contacting with a desired size coin 54 (Figure 5). The coin'54 in the position as illustrated in Figure 5 acts as aconductor for closing an electrical circuit between the contact 52 and thecoin chute at 55, which acts as the ground connection. A receptacle 56 is supported on a bottom member 57 within the cabinet 10 the lever 77.

their flamed portionssecured underneath the top 13 thereof is apair of spaced supporting memhere 58 and 59 connected together by bar160 suitablysecured thereto. The supporting members carry the tape, inking, and feeding mecha-, nism which will more fully be describedhereinother. c V

Secured to the outside face of the supporting member 59 is an outwardly projecting bracket 61 which pivotally supports the lower end of the operating lever 13-, Thelever projects upwardly and extends through and beyond the top 13 of the cabinet 10 (Figures 2 and 3). The operating lever when moved to the right for actuating the locking plate 38 has: its intermediate portion fitting into a slot in the head of a solenoid 62, which solenoid is supported by abracket 63 secured to the outer face of the supporting member59(Figure2), I

Attachedto one side of theoperating lever 43 (Figs. 21nd is) is an insulated plate 64 which carries an electrical contact 65that engages with an electrical contact 65' of the solenoid. The solenoid is energized for attracting and holding the lever 43in operative position during the printing operation by the action of'the coin 54 closing the circuit; The closing of the coin circuit simultaneously actuates the motor 66 secured gages a roller for actuating a lever 76 having its intermediate lower portion pivotally connected tothe lower part of supporting member58- (Figures2and4). v w The rotation of the cam 74 in a clockwise directiont as viewed in Figure 51, pivotallyv actuates the lever 76 and the lever 77 pivotally connected thereto for pivotally moving a lever arm 78 having itsupper end connected to the outenend of The lower end ofthe lever arm 78 is keyed on a shaft 79 having the end portions thereof suitably-journalled in the spaced supportin: members 58 and 59. 1 v I A pair of upwardly extending spaced levers 80 having their lower ends keyed on the shaft-79 between the members '58 and 59-are pivotally connected to the outer side of a pair of spaced inclinedlever arms 81, which arms have their inher ends pivotally connected to apair of downwardly spaced lugs of an tray (Figures 2, 3, 4. and 5),. A pair of spaced upwardly inclined lever arms 83 and 84 are pivotally connected at their ends to each side of inking tray 82 adjacent the ends thereofr The upper ends of each pair of lever arms 83 and 84 are pivoted to respective cross bars 85 suitably secured to the supporting members 58 and 59, respectively. The inking tray as best illustrated in Figure 5 consists of four (4) individual 'inkingpads 86, each of which is aligned with a row of printing type for inking the type to permit'the reproduction thereof on cards, labels and the like It is to be noted that the inking tray 82 is provided with individual pads, each of which may be saturated with a different color ink to allow each row of type to be reproduced in a different color, or, if desired, the inking pads 877 (Figure 4) connected to the upper end of lever arm 76 and the supporting member 58 maintains the roller 75 into engagement with the cam 74 for enabling the leverage mechanism to upwardly pivot the inking tray 82 for actuating the wardly extending arm 88 (Figures v3, 4, and 5),

which support a shaft 89 carrying a. roll of card material 90. The shaft 71, which is actuated by the motor 66 throughthe worm 69 and worm gear 70, projects through the supporting member 58 for rotating a crank 91 keyedto the inner end thereof adjacent the inside surface of supporting the member 58. A spaced similar crank 92 is mounted on a shaft 93, which is suitably journalled to the lower inside surface of the supporting member 59 in alignment with the crank 91. The lower ends of the cranks 91 and 92 are connected by a shaft 94 which shaft has suitably journalled thereto the lower end of an adjustable connecting rod 95. The connecting rod is actuated by the cranks for reciprocating a plunger 96 suitably journalled to the top portion of the adjustable connecting rod. v The plunger 96 slides between guide members 97 and 98 carried by the V respective'supporting members 58 and 59, (Figures 2 and 5).

The reciprocating plunger carries the mechanism for feeding'the card material over the top surface of the plunger. The feeding mechanism consists of an upper roller 101 and a lower roller 102 secured on the respective shafts 103 and 104, which shafts are journalled ina pair of spaced brackets secured to the reciprocating plunger 96 (Figures 5, 13, andv15). Disposed on the shaft 104 between the bracket 105 and the inner surface of'the supporting member 58 is a one-way drive clutch, comprising aninner idler clutch member 106 keyed on the shaft 104 (Figures13' and 14). The member 106 is provided with peripheral pockets for receiving ball bearings 107. A mutilated gear drive clutch member 108 engageable with an adjustable rack 109 secured to the supporting member 59 freely rotates in a counterclockwise direction about the periphery of the inner clutch member on the upward stroke of the plunger (Figure 14) On the downward travel of the plunger, the mutilated gear 108 engaged by the rack 109 is rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 14 for contacting with the ball bearings 107 for actuating the inner clutch member 106,

which rotates the shaft 104 and the feed roller 104 meshes with a gear 111 secured on the end of the shaft 103 for rotating the upper roller 101. The rollers are rotated in opposite directions for gripping and feeding the card tape across the top surface of the plunger on down ward stroke thereof. The card material, after printing of the characters thereon, is moved across the plunger so that the printed portion thereof extends through the opening between the top surface of the plunger and'a movable shear member 114 secured'on the plunger.

Mounted between the supportingmembers 58 and 59, as best illustrated in Figure 5; is a fixed shear blade 115, which cooperates with the shearing member .114on. the downward stroke of the plunger for cutting the printed card material of a disk 118 mounted on the shaft 93 which is keyed to the crank 92 'for rotation therewith. A pin 120,.projecting from the disk engages a tooth of a serrated disk'121, which is mounted on atransverse shaft 122 suitably journalledin the lower portion of the supporting members 58 and .59, as best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.-

The disk. 118 is timedto operate in synchronism;with the printing anddelivery mechanism so that it will rotate one-revolution for every card that is printed and delivered to the operator. Thus, for every revolution of the disk 118,.

the disk 121 is advanced one tooth. The number of teeth in the disk 121 corresponds to thepredeterminedinumber of cards which are to be printed before the machine mechanism is automatically stopped. When the disk 121 has made one complete revolution, a circular cam 124 secured on the shaft 122 willh'ave rotated so that a peripheral slot 125 thereof will be in the position as best illustrated in Figure '4 for? receiving the outer end of 'a pivotal solenoid-armature 127, which is counterweighted at the opposite end thereof for overbalancing the armature to open the motor; circuit, thus stopping the machine.

The armature127 is pivotally'secured to an insulated mounting plate 128 which is supported ona lateral projecting arm 1290f the supporting member 58 (Figures 3 and 4).

' A contact arm 130 projecting from the pivoted portion of the armature engages a pair of fixed contacts 131 and 132 extending-"through the plate128. The arm 130 is actuated to bridge the contacts for clo'singan electrical circuit when a solenoid 133 also mounted on the plate 128 is energized to attractthe armature 127 by the coin 54 closing the solenoid and motor circuits.

The electrical circuit diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 16 "for actuating the motor is as follows: I

The lever. 43, when manually moved to the" operating position'slides'into the slotted portion in the outer head of the solenoid 62 with-the inner edge thereofabuttingthe back portion of the solenoid slots. In this position, the-insulated contact 65 carried by the lever engages the in-: i

sulated contact 65' of the solenoid coil for clo ing oneof the open positions of the motor circuit. The motor circuit is inoperative until the coin 54 passing through the chute 51, momentarily engages the contact spring 52 and theinside of the chuteat 55 to act as an electrical conductor therebetween for closing the circuit to permit current, such as ordinary house current and the like, to'flow from a suitable source through a line conductor 136, for energizing the solenoid 133 connected thereto. Current flowing through the solenoid passes through an interconnected conductor 137 to the spring contact 52 connected coincircuit. v

thereto. The current then flows through the coin 54, the chute 51, anda line conductor 138 attached to the chute 51 at 55. The current passing through the line conductor 138 is returned to a suitable source of energy for completing the The current flowing through the solenoidcoil energizes the solenoid 133 for upwardly pivoting the armature in engagement therewith.- The upward-movement of the armature 127 pivotally actuates'thearm 130 into engagement withthe fixed contacts 131 and 132 forpermitting current to flow through a conductor 139 to'the interconnected solenoid62. The current flowing through the solenoid coil energizes the'solenoid to'attract and hold the lever43 positioned in the solenoid slot in operating position while the machine is printing and vending cards. The current then flows from the solenoid 62 through the contacts 65 and 65 and a conductor 140 connected to the contact 65 to a terminal 141 of the motor 66. Current from the motor 66 flows through a'terminal 142 connected thereto and a conductor" 143 connecting the terminal 142 with line conductor 138, thus completing the motor circuit which actuates the motor'66 for operating themachine mechanism.

The coin 54, after it has traveled past the contact 52 and dropped intothe coin box 56, opens the coin circuit which-deenergizes the solenoid coil '133. jI-Iowever, the'ar mature 127 is held in itsup-positlon'by the outer end 126 thereof ridingon the periphery of the cam 124 for maintaining the bridging arm130 in engagement with the contacts 131' and 132,-thus permitting current to fiow'throug'h a conductor 144 connecting the fixed contact 132 and line conductor 136,'thereby maintaining the motor circuitclosed, until the desired number of cards'is printed which 'the' machine is set to vend tothe purchaser for a certain desig-. nate'dcoin; 1 l v 5 1 The operation of the machine is briefly as follows: j

The machine of this invention is compactly constructed so that it can be easily transported to any desirable place, where its electrical circuit can be connected to a suitable source of electrical-energ'y such'as ordinary house current and the like. 'Thereafter, the machine can be oper ated by a purchaser who desires to have a designated number of cards printed such as calling cards, business cards, labels and the like. The purchaser first determines the characters which he wishes-to appear on the card. I The desired characters are then set up on the machine by simply gripping the finger knob 26 and horizontally moving the actuating shaft 25 until the'pointer 27- connected thereto indicates the selected chain for setting up the first character to appear on the calling card. For example, if the character set'up'illustrated in Figure 7 is to be made, the pointer '27 will'indicate that the actuating shaft 25 in the first row has been horizontally moved so that the key 28 thereof -w'ill be aligned mom of the keyways 29 of 1 the first chain drive'sprocket 23in the first row of chains. Thereafter, the rotation of the shaft 25 actuates the drive sprocket 23 for moving the chain until the desired character (inthis instanceflW") appears in the opening of the plate 145 34, which readily can be seen by looking through the transparent plate 36.

;It is'to be noted that each chain'carriestwo "complete sets of characters and blank spaces sufii.-,

cientfor making anydesiredset-up. The'desig- When 'thefirst chain of the first row has been i actuated so that the desired indicating character W can be seen by the operator the type or printing character W will be positioned on the sprocket 22 projecting from the lower portion of the housing 14 in alignment with indicating character W. After the first character has been set up, the actuating arm is horizontally moved to the right until the indicators 2'7 indicate the next selected chain for setting up the second desired character. In the set-up illustrated in Figure '7, a blank space is required between the first character W and third character 5. Thereafter, the second drive sprocket 23 is actuated by the rotation of the shaft 25 through the co- 7 operation of the key 28 for moving the second chain in the first row until a blank link can be seen by the operator; At the same time a blank printing link is aligned with the indicating blank link in the printing position belowthe' lower end of the housing 14.

In this way any chain in a row can be selectively actuated for making a desired indicating character set-up. After one row of characters has been set up, each succeeding row of characters may be set up in a similar manner so that any desired'set-up can be made for reproduction thereof on a desired number of calling cards,

labels and the like. r

Upon completion of the set-up in each row,

the characters are aligned and locked in position by manually moving the hand lever 43 towards the housing 14 for actuating the locking plate 38 connected thereto. ing plate slidably move between the chains in each row, with the groove portion thereof engaging a tooth of each of the sprockets'22 in each row for aligning the characters and preventing rotation ofthe sprockets during the printing operation. The pressure of the locking fingers against the teeth ofthe sprocket may be varied by the transverse bars 44 which are actuated by the adjusting screws 46. i

The coin 54 is then inserted into the chute 51, and duringthetravel therethrough it'momentarily contacts with the spring contact 52 and a portion of the inside of the chute at 55 to function as a conductor to closean electric circuit for permittingcurrent to flow-through the sole-' 126 thereof'out of the peripheral slot 125 of the cam 124. "The bridging arm 130 of thearmature is moved into engagement with the fixed contacts 131 and 132, thereby closing the motor circuit and starting the motor 66. At the same time the solenoid 62 is energized 'formaintaining the lever arm 43 in its operative position during the print mg p ration.

'Ihe armature arm 12''! is maintained in itsup position by the outer end 126 thereof riding onthe peripheryfof the cam 124, although the solenoid 133 ha'sbeen deenergized by the opening tion illustrated in Figure 4, the spring87 pivotally The fingers 41 of the lockbearings 107 for actuating the inner clutch memyond the' plunger.

of the circuit as soon as the coin 54'has passed by the spring contact52 and dropped intothe coin box 56. The motor circuit continues to remain closed until the desired number of cards has'been printed. 7

The starting'of the motor 66 (Figure'4) rotates at a reduced speed the cam '74 secured on the shaft '71 through the worm 69 and the worm gear 70.. When the cam is rotated to the posi- '85 actuates the lever arm '76 connected thereto for keeping'the roller '75 in frictional engagement with the periphery of the cam. The movement of the lever arm -76 to the right actuates the lever arms 77, 78, and 80 in the same direction for upwardly pivoting the levers 81, 83, and 84, to up wardly pivot the inking tray 82 for forcing the inking pads 86 against the printing characters projecting below the lower part of the housing 14. As soon as the printing type has been inked the cam 74 moves the lever arm '76 to the left actuating the interconnected leverage mechanism for enabling the inking tray 82 to be pivoted downwardly and inwardly out of the way of the reciprocating plunger 96, as illustrated by the dotted lines in Figure 5'.

It is to be noted that anindividual inking pad 86is provided for each row of type so that each padcan be saturated with a different color ink for reproducing each row of type in a diiferent color on the printed cards, if desired. However, the pads 86 may be saturated with the same color ink for printing the cards in the same color.

The plunger 96 is actuated in synchronism with the inking mechanism so that, when the inking tray is downwardly pivoted 'out of the way, the plunger 96 is'upwardly actuated by the connecting rod 95 for moving the card tape against the printing type for printing the desired character set up on the tape.

The tape is held between the feed rolls 101 and 102 whichare idle during the upward travel of the plunger, as thedrive clutch member 108 of the one-way clutch drive actuated by the teeth thereof engaging the teeth of the rack 109 120 is rotated in a counterclockwise directionabout the inner clutch member 106 keyed on the roller drive shaft 104 (Figure 14).

After the characters have been printed on the tape'the plunger is downwardly actuated, and the mutilated gear clutch drive member 108 (Figure 14) is then clockwise rotated so that its inner periphery frictionally engages the ball her 106. The inner clutch member rotates the drive shaft 104, which shaft rotates the rollers 101 and 102 in opposite directions for feeding the printed portion of the tape to project be- When the tape has moved the desired distance, the mutilated portion of the gear clutch drive member comes in contact with the lower portion of the rack for preventing .further rotation ofthe tape feeding rollers 101 and 102.

Beforethe plunger of its downward travel, the printed portion of the tape projecting beyond the plunger underneath the movable shear member 114 which cooperates with the stationary knife 115 for I shearing the projecting portion of the tape into predetermined length cards. The cards, then, slide down the inclined chute 116 into the receptacle 117.

The mechanism for automatically stopping the machine is actuated in synchronism with 96 has reachedthelimit fingers each having a tapered end and a chanthe feeding, cut-ofi and delivery mechanisms from the crank 92, which rotates the disk 118 connected thereto one, complete revolution for every'card that is printed and delivered to the purchaser. For every complete revolution of. the disk, the serrated disk 121 is advanced one tooth by the detent 120 securedto the disk 118 which contacts with the teeth of the disk 121 (Figures 3 and 4). Whenthe disk 121, which has teeth corresponding to the numberlof' cards to be printed, is rotated one complete revolution, the peripheral slot 125 of the cam 124 (Figure 4) will be in position for receiving the outer end 126 of the armature 127;for enabling the counterweighton the opposite end ofthe armature 'to downwardly pivot the armature. The downward movement of the armature pivotally moves the bridging arm 130 out of engagement with the contacts 131 and 132, thereby opening the motor circuit and stopping the motor 66. Thereafter, the machine cannot be actuated until a suitable coin has again been insorted in the coin chute 51. V

. From the foregoing, it is obvious that I have i provided a printing and vending machine for printing and vending from a continuous roll of tape a designated number of business, calling cards, labels, and similar articles, and which machine is also provided with means for autofmatically stopping the machine after a designated, number of cards has been printed an delivered to the operator or customer.

I am aware that many changes may be made and numerous details of construction may be varied through a wide range Without departing from the principles of this invention, and I, therefore, do not purpose limiting the patent granted hereon otherwise than necessitated bythe prior art. Y c I I claim as my invention: v 1 A printing andvending machine, including a plurality of chains, sprockets for said chains, each chain carrying a duplicate set of characters, means for selectively actuating said chainsfor making a desired character set-up, means slidable between said chains, for aligning and locking said chains in the set-up position, said slidable means comprising a plurality of channeled fingers engageable with teeth of said sprockets ifor positively-locking said sprockets, and'means for moving a tape against saidcharacters for reproducing the characters thereon, and actuat ing means for said tape moving means.

v2. In a device of the character described, a

iplurality of type chains, sprockets for said idesired character setup, said means simultaneously moving said printing characters into printing position in alignmentwith said indicating characters, locking means for said sprockets comprising a plurality of integrally formed engage within the channels in said fingers for -rigidly holding said sprockets from relative movement.

3 ma device of the character described, a plurahty of rows of type chains, sprockets, for said chainseach .of said chains carrying indicating and printing-characters thereon, and a shaft for selectively actuating. the chains in each row for moving said indicating characters to a set-up position, said .shaft simultaneously moving said printing characters into printing position in alignment with said indicating characters, locking means for said sprockets comprising a plurality of integrally formed fingers each having a tapered end and a channeled face, guidingmeans for said locking means, and means for sliding said locking means over said sprockets such that teeth of the sprockets engage within the channels in said fingers for rigidly holding 'said sprockets from relative movement. 4. A printing machine of the class described, comprising a plurality of indicating characters, a plurality of printing characters associated therewith, means for selectively moving said indicating characters for making a desired character set-up, said last means simultaneously ac.- tuating said printing characters to a printing position, a roll of card material positioned below said printing characters, a reciprocating plunger for upwardly moving said card material for enablingsaid printing characters to be reproduced thereon, rollers for feeding the card material across said plunger, and clutch means operable on the downward movement of said plunger for actuating said rollers, said clutch means including an inner clutch member having a plurality of pockets, a ball in each of said pockets, anda gear outer clutch member cooperating with said ball for rotating said inner clutch member.

- 5. A printing and-vending machine, including a plurality of type chains arranged inside by side relation, said chains being supported on wheels engaging the same, a shaft slidable through certain wheels of the several chains, the shaft being axially movable for selective engagement with any of the typechains for moving said selected chain to set up the desired printing character, a type locking plate including a plurality of fingers formed integrally with said plate and engageable with certain of said wheels to prevent relative movement of the same, andindicia ineansfor indicating when said shaft is in position tomove a selected type chain to set up desired type matter. e-

6. In a printing machine of the classdescribed, supporting members, a plurality of type chains arranged in side by side relation, sprockets at each end of said chains engaging said chains for supporting and moving the same, a shaft slidable axially through certain sprockets of the several chains and including means for-selective engagement with the sprockets for moving selectively any of said chains to setup the desired printing characters, a locking plate slidably guided in said supporting members, said locking plate including a plurality of integrally formed fingersdisposed for engaging the sprockets at one end of said chains for positively locking all of the chains from relative movement;

'7. In a printing machine of the class described, supporting members, a plurality of type chains arranged in side by side relation, sprockets at each end of said chains engaging. said chains for supporting and moving the same, a shaft slidable axially through certain sprockets of the several chains and including means for selective engagement with the sprockets for moving selectively any of said chains to set up the desired printing characters, a lockingplate slidably guided in said supporting mem bets, said locking plate including guide fingers on opposite edges thereof, and a plurality of intermediate locking fingers engageable with the sprockets at one end of the chains for locking said chains from relative movement.

8. In a printing machine of the class described, supporting members, a plurality of type chains arranged in side by side relation, sprockets at each end of said chains engaging said chains for supporting and moving the same, a shaft slidable axially through certain sprockets of the several chains and including means for selective engagement with the sprockets for moving selectively any of said chains to setup the desired printing characters, a locking plate slidably guided in said supporting members, said locking plate including a plurality of integrally formed fingers disposed for engaging the sprockets at,

one end of said chains for positively locking all of the chains from relative movement, pressure plates in said supporting members engageable with said locking plate for holding the locking plate on the sprockets.

9. In a printing machine of the class described, supporting members, a plurality of type chains arranged in side by side relation, sprockets at each end of said chains engaging said chains for supporting and moving the same, a shaft slidable axially through certain sprockets of the several chains and including means for selective engagement with the sprockets for moving selectively any of said chains to set up the desired printing characters, a locking plate slidably guided in said supporting members, said locking'plate including guide fingers on opposite edges thereof, and a plurality of intermediate locking fingers engageable with the sprockets at one end of the chains for locking said chains from relative movement, pressure plates in said supporting members engageable with said locking plate for holding the locking plate on the sprockets, and adjustable means for varying the pressure of said pressure plates.

10. In a printing machine of the class described, supporting members, a plurality of type chains arranged in side by side relation, sprockets at each end of said chains engaging said chains for supporting and moving the same, a shaft slidable axially through certain sprockets of the several chains and including means for selective engagement with the sprockets for moving selectively any of said chains to set up the desired printing characters, a locking plate slidably guided in said supporting members, said locking plate including a plurality of integrally formed fingers, each of said fingers having channeled grooves therein and being disposed for engagement over certain teeth of the sprockets adjacent one end of the same for positively locking the sprockets from relative movement. 1 V

11. In a printing machine of the class described, supporting members, a plurality of type chains arranged in side by side relation, sprockets at each end of said' chains engaging said chains for supporting and moving the same, a shaft slidable axially through certain sprockets of the several chains and including means for selective engagement with the sprockets for moving selectively any of said chains to set up the desired printing characters, a locking plate slidably guided in said supporting members, said locking plate including a plurality of integrally formed fingers, each of said fingers having channeled grooves therein and'being disposed for engagement over certain teeth of the sprockets adjacent one end of the same for positively locking the sprockets from relative movement, pressure plates in said supporting members engageable with said locking plate for holding the locking fingers on the sprockets.

12. A printing and vending machine including a plurality of type chains, sprockets on said chains, each said chain carrying a duplicate set of characters, means for selectively actuating said chains for making a desired setup, a'type locking plate including a plurality of fingers engageable with certain of said sprockets to prevent relative movement of the same;

13. A printing and vending machine including a plurality of type chains, sprockets on said chains, means for selectively actuating said chains, for making a desired setup, a type locking plate including a plurality of fingers engageable with certain of said sprockets to prevent relative movement of the same, and means for moving a tape against said setup type for reproducing the characters of the type thereon, and actuating means for said tape moving means.

14. A printing and vending machine including a plurality of type chains, sprockets on said chains, means for selectively actuating said chains for making a desired setup, a type locking plate including a plurality of fingers engageable with certain of said sprockets to prevent relative movement of the same, and indicia means for indicating when said chain selecting means is in position to move a selected type chain to set up desired type matter.

15. A printing and vending machine including a plurality of type chains, sprockets on said chains, means for selectively actuating said chains for making a desired setup, a type locking plate'including a plurality of fingers engageable with certain of said sprockets to prevent relative movement of the same, and means for moving a tape against said setup type for reproducing the characters of the type thereon, and actuating means for said tape moving means, and indicia means for indicating when said chain selecting to set up desired type matter.

WALTER H. COMPTON. 

